Post Gobble Day Update

Our Thanksgiving went rather peaceful and somewhat relaxing, which was must needed. We were both still very exhausted and knew there was limited coverage for the night ahead, so we tried to take it easy. We worked on dinner through out the day, each taking turns alternating with cooking, cleaning (trying to get somewhat caught up) and caring for Elias. We actually finished preparing everything and sat down to eat around 5 pm. Elias did get a little fussy about that time, but he was quickly soothed to sleep and we were able to enjoy a relatively uninterrupted dinner.

Katharine's "Uncle Mac" and his fiancee Cheryl contacted us wondering if they could bring some food by the house. They stopped by later in the evening and brought us a wonderful spread from their feast. With our left overs and what they brought us we will have a few days of easy meals, and that will certainly make life easier. They sat and visited with us for a short while, and provided a very nice distraction from the stress and fatigue. Unfortunately, Elias was asleep the entire time. We certainly appreciated everything and were touched that they thought about us and offered to spend some time lending a hand. We know you read and just wanted you to know how much it was appreciated...Thank You both! You are wonderful people.

Elias was a little closer to himself, but still groggy. The limited awake time he had yesterday did bring a few more smiles than the day before, so we can tell he is getting better, slowly but surely. The surgical site is not as swollen and is beginning to bruise, as expected. Overall it is looking very well and I think the surgeon will be pleased when we go for our follow up visit in a week. Hopefully, Elias will be a touch more alert as Katharine's mom and little brother are driving in from Virginia this morning. I for one will welcome the stimulation because I am finding it difficult to stay awake despite Elias keeping me running. The 5 hours of nursing care translated into 3 hours of sleep on top of three days of fatigue and lack of sleep. Sadly, Katharine is not in any better state and she has to work this weekend. So far this morning Elias has been in a playful mood and fairly happy for short stints. While giving him the complete work over this morning ( diaper change, ostomy bag change, surgical site care, g-tube site care, bath, and change of clothes) Elias was particularly fitful.  He kept thumping his leg and catapulting himself around the changing table, making it nearly impossible to change or put on anything. I was laughing so hard and at first that made Elias mad...out comes the boo boo lip and sad face, flinging the arms and stomping the leg, I could only laugh harder. Finally, I looked him in the eye, told him he was too small to be a thanksgiving turkey, but I was still going to gobble him up, and started kissing his cheeks and tickling his sides and he started laughing so hard. The type of laugh that would make milk come out of your nose. It was so funny, too bad I was alone and no video camera. The rest of the changing session went much easier after that as he was still laughing as I put him back in is crib. Keep Elias happy and life is good, make him made and he will make you miserable. Just ask any of his nurses that did not heed our warning about diaper changes when he is asleep. :)

We hope everyone had a good thanksgiving and enjoys the holiday season. See you real soon!